Cricket 3 years ago

Women's Ashes: England to begin their Ashes defence at Taunton

England Women are set to begin their Women's Ashes defence at The County Ground in Taunton on Tuesday as they take on Australia Women in the first of three ODIs.

England are the current holders of The Women's Ashes having retained the trophy Down Under in 2013-14 by a 10- 8 point margin.

England - who have a considerably experienced squad with 807 caps between 14 players - will undoubtedly start the series as favourites. On the other side though, World Champions Australia have a pretty good squad too with the likes of Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry, Alex Blackwell, Holly Ferling, Elyse Villani, Megan Schutt all being as good as anyone around.

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As you would generally expect, the England captain Charlotte Edwards isn't taking matters lightly, and expects a very tough challenge ahead, more so when considering the last T20 WC finals that Edwards' side have lost to their rivals to go with the super-six heartbreak in the 50-over WC against the very opponents.

"This is the biggest series I have probably played in," she said.

"With how the last two have gone, and how the two teams have developed, it's going to be one of the most exciting series.

"To test yourself against the best team is what you want to do as a player so hopefully we will do that in the next few weeks."

The Points System

Following widespread criticism of the points system employed in the Women's Ashes Series, it has undergone an amendment, which would mean that now four - not six - points would be awarded for a test win, while each ODI and T20 win would be awarded two points for.